There has been much controversy surrounding a recent episode of the popular children's television show Sesame Street. In this particular episode, a diabolical witch character was introduced, causing parents and viewers alike to raise concerns about the appropriateness of the content. The main idea in this note is the controversy surrounding a diabolical witch character on Sesame Street. Sesame Street has been a beloved and trusted program for generations, known for its engaging and educational content. However, the addition of a diabolical witch character seems to be a departure from the show's typical themes of friendship, learning, and positive values. Parents worry that the inclusion of a witch character could introduce ideas of magic and witchcraft to young children, possibly leading to confusion or fear.

Salem witch trials bridget bishop

Bridget Bishop, "a singular character, not easily described," was born sometime between 1632 and 1637. Bishop married three times. Her third and final marriage, after the deaths of her first two husbands, was to Edward Bishop, who was employed as a "sawyer" (lumber worker). She appears to have had no children in any of her marriages.

Although Bishop had been accused by more individuals of witchcraft than any other witchcraft defendant (many of the accusations were markedly vehement and vicious), it was not so much her "sundry acts of witchcraft" that caused her to be the first witch hanged in Salem, as it was her flamboyant life style and exotic manner of dress. Despite being a member of Mr. Hale's Church in Beverly (she remained a member in good standing until her death), Bishop often kept the gossip mill busy with stories of her publicly fighting with her various husbands, entertaining guests in home until late in the night, drinking and playing the forbidden game of shovel board, and being the mistress of two thriving taverns in town. Some even went so far as to say that Bishop's "dubious moral character" and shameful conduct caused, "discord [to] arise in other familes, and young people were in danger of corruption." Bishop's blatant disregard for the respected standards of puritan society made her a prime target for accusations of witchcraft.

In addition to her somewhat outrageous (by Puritan standards) lifestyle, the fact that Bishop "was in the habit of dressing more artistically than women of the village" also contributed in large part to her conviction and execution. She was described as wearing, "a black cap, and a black hat, and a red paragon bodice bordered and looped with different colors." This was a showy costume for the times. Aside from encouraging rumors and social disdain, this "showy costume" was used as evidence against her at her trial for witchcraft. In his deposition, Shattuck, the town dyer mentions, as corroborative proof of Bishop being a witch, that she used to bring to his dye house "sundry pieces of lace" of shapes and dimensions entirely outside his conceptions of what would be needed in the wardrobe of a plain and honest woman. Fashionable apparel was regarded by some as a "snare and sign of the devil."

On April 18, 1692, when a warrant was issued for Bishop's arrest for witchcraft, she was no stranger to the courthouse. In 1680 she had been charged (but cleared) of witchcraft, and on other occasions she had ended up in the courthouse for violent public quarreling with her husband. Bishop had never seen or met any of her accusers until her questioning. While several of the afflicted girls cried out and writhed in the supposed pain she was causing them, John Hathorn and Jonathan Corwin questioned her, although there was little doubt in either of their minds as to her guilt:

Q: Bishop, what do you say? You stand here charged with sundry acts of witchcraft by you done or committed upon the bodies of Mercy Lewis and Ann Putman and others.

A: I am innocent, I know nothing of it, I have done no witchcraft . I am as innocent as the child unborn. .

When asked by one of her jailers, Bishop claimed that she was not troubled to see the afflicted persons so tormented, and could not tell what to think of them and did not concern herself about them at all. But the afflicted girls were not Bishop's only accusers. Her sister's husband claimed that "she sat up all night conversing with the Devil" and that "the Devil came bodily into her." With a whole town against her, Bishop was charged, tried, and executed within eight days. On June 10, as crowds gathered to watch, she was taken to Gallows Hill and executed by the sheriff, George Corwin. She displayed no remorse and professed her innocence at her execution.

Bishop's death did not go unnoticed in Salem. The court took a short recess, accusations slowed down for a time, more than a month passed before there were any more executions, and one of the judges, Nathaniel Saltonstall resigned, having become dissatisfied with the court's methods. Even Governor Phips had doubts about the methods of the court and went to Boston to consult the ministers there as to what should be done with the rest of the accused. Unfortunately for the eighteen others who would be hanged as witches (in addition to the one pressed to death and the several who died in prison), the ministers decidedly and earnestly recommended that the proceedings should be "vigorously carried on," and so they were. Less than a year after her death, Bishop's husband married Elizabeth Cash, and several of those who had testified against her, in deathbed confessions claimed that their accusations were "deluted by the Devil." --KS

Bridget Bishop and the Salem Witch Trials

Turbulent, tempestuous, tenacious! Accused of bewitching pigs, possessing poppets, and effecting out-of-body experiences, Bridget Bishop was, if not a witch, an unwelcome woman. Locals believed that Bridget’s ghost gallivanted across Salem; Bridget could send her specter, or spirit, to work spells on unsuspecting suburbanites. Did she kill her first two husbands? Curse the Shattuck’s son? What about Bridget’s black magic?

Parents worry that the inclusion of a witch character could introduce ideas of magic and witchcraft to young children, possibly leading to confusion or fear. They argue that it may not align with the show's mission to educate and entertain in a safe and appropriate manner. Proponents of the character claim that it is important to expose children to a diverse range of characters and storylines.

A Witch in Salem

Although Salem’s slander was more tall-tale than truth, there was no denying that Bridget Bishop was bold. Unlike other women of Salem Village, Bridget wore a black cap, black hat, and red paragon bodice. Her fashions were independent. Her attitude? More so. Never submissive, Bridget rejected “woman’s role” in seventeenth-century society. Bite Bridget Bishop and Bridget Bishop bites back! (That’s enough to get you hanged, though.)

But who, exactly, was Bridget Bishop? Although Bridget wasn’t the first accused of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Salem, she was the first executed. Yet Bridget’s story is more tragic than magic. Punished for her strength and self-reliance, Bridget was sent to the gallows. It was 1692. Bridget Bishop was about to become Salem’s first “convicted witch.”

They argue that the witch character can be used as a tool to teach children about empathy, understanding, and difference. They suggest that parents should use this as an opportunity to engage in open discussions with their children about the nature of fictional characters and the importance of distinguishing between fantasy and reality. As a result of the controversy, Sesame Street producers have responded, assuring viewers that the inclusion of the witch character was intended to provide new educational opportunities and that they will be mindful of the concerns raised. They have also encouraged parents and caregivers to take an active role in discussing the content of the show with their children. In conclusion, the introduction of a diabolical witch character on Sesame Street has sparked a heated debate among parents and viewers. While some worry about the potential negative effects of such a character, others see it as an opportunity for valuable discussions and learning experiences. Ultimately, it is up to parents and caregivers to decide what is appropriate for their children and to use moments like this to teach them important lessons about discernment and critical thinking..

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